Almost exactly a year ago Mikel Arteta was asked about Hector Bellerin and the response from the Arsenal skipper was emphatic.
He backed his fellow Spaniard to break through and make himself first choice right back at the club, and said he could do that job for years.
“I think he’s a top player,” said Arteta in September 2014. “He’s going to be the right back of Arsenal for many years, in my opinion – providing he continues to progress in the way he has been doing.
“Mentally, he handles what is requested to play at the highest level. He’s got pace, technique and he’s a very positive guy.”
Obviously a few things had to go his way. Mathieu Debuchy picked up injuries, Calum Chambers lost form, but the former Barcelona youngster still had to perform, and it’s his performances that have most impressed Arteta.
“I knew two years ago that he had the ability to be first choice at Arsenal,” he said, “and I can’t see any better right backs in the next two years in Spain.
“He’s very brave in the way he plays. I think that’s what people like – he takes people on, he makes runs, he goes forward and he’s not afraid of anything.
“Football is a long run. It’s not about the next few months, it’s about being consistent and at that level for a long time.”
And with Debuchy eager to regain his place, Arteta says the competition will benefit both players, and that Bellerin is being guided well through these early days in his career.
“I think he’s lucky because he has people who look after him. He gets good advice, he has good competition with Mathieu. He cannot relax and he knows he cannot relax. He’s an intelligent boy.
“I know Hector and if he makes the right decisions in the next few months, I think he’s going to have a chance.”
It’s fair to say Mikel has got a good eye, and that we’re big fans of Ec-tore Bay-a-reen.
Arteta was spot on back then and he’s spot on today. Bellerin will be our right back for years to come.
I do wonder if it’s possible for arteta to do all his coaching badges and become a player coach over the the next 2 years. He seems to have a knack for management and guiding players. Player coaches always have the advantage of playing with the current team and knowing all the strengths and weaknesses of the squad, ala guardiola, Simmons, monk…
Blogs, you’re drunj.
Will take over from Alves at Barca next season
That’s the spirit Billy!
if Barca bids 40m/50m, Wenger will succumb
Don’t join Fibreglass in the Biggest Cunts Club, Hector.
It’s not a good look.
Arteta just sealed his place as an Arsenal scout when he hangs up his boots. Heading off to edit his retirement stats in Football Manager as we speak.
How about we make Arteta the chief scout after he retires with us
I just moved to Barcelona, so I need to get me an Ec-tore Bay-a-reen Jersey.
Arsenal Bay-a-reen jersey in Barcelona. I like it.
And it’s the only jersey I want to see it on there!
What’s this meant? “I know Hector and if he makes the right decisions in the next few months, I think he’s going to have a chance.”
I genuinely wonder what’s that decision talking about, making the right one?, and that too next few months?…he’s is already having top flight football at top club and what sort of chance he is referred?
I think he means keep his head screwed on, don’t get too comfortable and that kind of thing. Basically don’t do a Bendtner.
I think he means the spanish national team.
I can confirm this is true because Bellerin now has an 84 potential in FIFA.
I’m pretty sure its illegal to be called hector unless you have a big moustache and wear a sombrero?
Can anyone confirm?
LOL This made my day, thanks.